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F-15EX Eagle II

The F-15EX Eagle II is a two-seat multirole fighter developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The F-15EX Eagle II is a two-seat multirole fighter developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force. It is the latest F-15 variant in U.S. service and was designed to replace aging F-15C/D aircraft while adding modern sensors, electronic warfare systems, and higher weapons capacity.

Design and development

The F-15EX was developed from the F-15 Advanced Eagle family, especially the F-15QA built for Qatar. It incorporates upgraded structure, avionics, and flight controls, and was pursued in part to address the aging U.S. F-15C/D fleet.

Avionics and systems

The aircraft includes modern sensors and defensive systems such as the AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, infrared search and track capability, and EPAWSS electronic warfare equipment. Sources also describe a digital cockpit and fly-by-wire controls as major upgrades.

Operational role

The F-15EX is intended for air defense, missile carriage, and high-payload strike missions. It is often described as a complement to stealth aircraft, providing speed, range, and weapons volume rather than low-observable characteristics.

Service history

The F-15EX made its first flight in February 2021 and entered U.S. service in 2024. It is being fielded by the U.S. Air Force as a replacement for older F-15C/D aircraft.

Key facts

  • The F-15EX is the most advanced Eagle variant and is based on the F-15QA export model.
  • It uses an AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar and the EPAWSS electronic warfare suite.
  • The aircraft has a two-seat cockpit and digital fly-by-wire flight controls.
  • Boeing and defense sources describe it as capable of carrying a very large weapons load, including up to 22 air-to-air missiles in a proposed configuration.
  • The type is intended to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet and complement stealth aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35.
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Canadian context

Canada does not operate the F-15EX, but the aircraft is relevant to Canadian readers as part of North American airpower and U.S. air defence modernization, which can affect continental security planning and defence industrial comparisons.

Frequently asked questions

What is the F-15EX Eagle II?
It is Boeing’s latest F-15 variant for the U.S. Air Force, designed as a two-seat multirole fighter with modern avionics and a large weapons load.
What aircraft is the F-15EX based on?
It is derived from the F-15 Advanced Eagle line, especially the F-15QA export version, with roots in the F-15E family.
When did the F-15EX first fly?
Its first flight took place on 2 February 2021.
When did it enter service?
It entered U.S. operational service in 2024.
What is the F-15EX meant to replace?
It is intended to replace aging F-15C/D aircraft in U.S. Air Force service.
Why is the F-15EX notable?
It combines modern sensors and electronic warfare systems with very high payload capacity and long range.

References

  1. Air & Space Forces — https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons-platforms/f-15ex/
    Supports: Describes the F-15EX as the most advanced Eagle variant, based on the F-15QA, and notes its radar, EPAWSS, digital cockpit, payload, and role as an F-15C/D replacement.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F-15EX_Eagle_II
    Supports: Provides the aircraft’s first flight date, design features, and F-15EX-specific improvements including radar, IRST, EPAWSS, structure, cockpit, and missile carriage.
  3. GlobalMilitary.net — https://www.globalmilitary.net/aircraft/f15ex-eagle-ii/
    Supports: States that the F-15EX is an advanced F-15 variant, that it first flew in 2021, entered service in 2024, and is intended to replace the F-15C/D fleet.
  4. Boeing — https://www.boeing.com/defense/fighters-and-bombers/f-15ex-eagle
    Supports: Boeing’s program page identifies the F-15EX as a high-payload, high-range fighter built to anchor tactical fighter forces.